Manicurists Always Compliment My Nails — My Secret Is This Fast-Drying, Damage-Free Polish That Lasts for Weeks
Originally published at PEOPLE.com
I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to my nails, and I won’t apologize for it.
In refusing damage-prone manicure techniques like gel, dip, powder, and acrylics, my nails have retained their strength and elasticity for the better part of 30 years, often drawing compliments from my manicurists. “Nope! Just boring regular polish for me, thanks,” was my go-to line at salons — that is, until I came across Dazzle Dry nail polish.
Dazzle Dry is a system that simultaneously preps, polishes, and seals your nails without the damaging effects of similar “long-lasting” manicure techniques. It actually functions a lot like regular nail polish, no gluing or curing required.
Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer (Step 3), in Fresh Start
My go-to nail polish color is what I’ve dubbed over the years as “purpley-gray,” so I was overjoyed when Dazzle Dry recently launched “Fresh Start,” a blend of lavender gray with a semi-sheer glaze. The bottle comes in a standard 0.5 fluid-ounce size, but most colors come in mini travel sizes, too. My other favorite hues? Chiffon Moment, Midnight Sky, and 3-Day Weekend, to name a few — but there are well over 150 colors to choose from.
And I’m not the only Dazzle Dry enthusiast at PEOPLE.
“As someone who goes to yoga and pilates classes five to six times a week, my toes must be in tip-top shape all the time. A friend introduced me to Dazzle Dry last year as a healthier alternative to gel pedicures. Application is faster than a regular manicure at a salon, it doesn’t chip (my pedicures last more than a month), and there are plenty of fun and neutral colors to choose from.” — Izzy Baskette, shopping writer
To take full advantage of this type of polish, I’d recommend buying the Dazzle Dry starter kit for the best results. Simply apply the system and wait five minutes for it to dry. Go on, set a timer. By the time you finish reading this story, your future manicure would already be locked in.
How to Apply the Dazzle Dry Nail Polish System at Home
The four-step system takes less than 15 minutes to complete: 10 for application and five for drying. Basically, it solves the age-old issue of last-minute manicures that are immediately ruined on your way out the door. (Or is that just a me problem?)
Step 1: After removing any existing polish, apply the Nail Prep Primer and Strengthener to, as its name suggests, prep and prime each nail for application. The bottle has a simple push-down dispenser on top, so you can easily press a cotton ball onto it to absorb the product without making a mess.
Step 2: Paint on the base coat, which acts as an adhesive of sorts for the polish. Let it dry for maybe a minute or so.
Step 3: Paint your nails with your chosen polish! Each shade’s opacity differs slightly, but most only require two coats (maximum of three). Therefore, the bottles have decent longevity — making them a solid beauty investment. Wait a minute for them to set.
Step 4: Apply the top coat to seal the polish, and wait the required five minutes. Your nails will be completely dry and quite chip- and smudge-proof for the next few weeks. Mine usually last three without issue (and that’s living with a typing-involved job, a 70-pound dog, and other various nail hazards).
How to Strengthen Your Nails, According to a Celeb Manicurist
If you’re curious about general nail health, PEOPLE chatted to Gina Edwards, a celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Kiss Nails and ImPress Nails, whose clients include Amanda Seyfried, Venus Williams, and Jacob Elordi. She suggests a few measures to keep your nail health in check.
Repair: “Many people overlook aftercare once enhancements come off, which is when nails are most vulnerable. To the Rescue by Essie is a keratin-based treatment that adds a subtle plumping effect to the nail, helping seal micro damage caused during removal. It creates a protective barrier while supporting recovery and growth,” she says. Edwards suggests applying one coat on the first day and a second coat three days later.
Regrow: To allow proper regrowth, press-on nails are a good option because “they act as a protective shield against everyday knocks, while allowing your nails to grow safely underneath,” Edwards explains. She recommends ImPress nails (the only press-on brand I’ve used and liked), because they’re self-adhesive without glue and flexible, so they don’t put too much weight on your nails — and you can wear them for up to 10 days.
Refresh: “Oils help hydrate the matrix area of the nail, promoting healing and flexibility. Look for natural-based oils such as Manuka or Vitamin E,” Edwards recommends. “These are also excellent for easing the removal of self-adhesive press-ons. For soak-off gels, acetone-based removers are effective when balanced with natural oils to prevent excessive dryness. Never rush removal; patience protects the nail plate and prevents peeling or thinning. Healthy nails take time, gentle removal, consistency, and patience.”
Many nail salons now carry Dazzle Dry polish, too, so whether you want the pampering of an in-person experience or a DIY job at home, you can have beautiful nails that last for weeks without worry of long-term damage.
